Chyawanprash: Formulation, Use and Benefits

chyawanprash

Chyawanprash (CP) is an ayurveda formulation based on the classical textbooks of Ayurvedda  is composed of a highly concentrated mixture of enriched with several herbs, herbal extracts, and processed minerals. It is intended to replenish depleted life energy stores (ojas), maintain strength, stamina, and vigor, and slow down the aging process. Chywanprash consists of around 50 medicinal plants and their extracts that are processed, which contains the world’s richest source of vitamin C, Amla (Indian gooseberry), as its main component.
The process for making chyawanprash begins with the preparation of a herbal decoction, followed by the production of dried extract, a honey mixture, and the usual addition of aromatic herb powders (cinnamon, cardamom, and clove). The final result has a consistency similar to berry jam and tastes sweet, sour, and spicy.
Chyawanprash (CP) is made up of the terms “Chyawan” and “Prasha,” and is also referred to as chyavanaprasha, chyavanaprash, chyavanaprasam, and chyawanaprash. The word Chyawan is the name of a indian sage, which symbolizes “degenerative change” or “old age”. Prasha denotes a drug or foodstuff that is suitable for consumption. Hence chywanprash is the “Rasayan” drug which helps for prolonging life, preventing aging and diseases, eliminating degenerative processes, and promoting excellent health.

Composition of Chyawanprash

S.NO Medicinal Plants/Special Additives Common Name Therapeutic Role
1.       Adhatoda vasica Nees Vasaka, Vasa, Arusa Antiulcer, bronchodilator, expectorant, anti-allergic, cholagogue, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders
2.       Aegle marmelos Correa Bael, Bel Antidiarrheal, gastroprotective, anti-ulcerative, radioprotective
3.       Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. Aguru, Akil Antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, carminative, antimicrobial
4.       Bambusa arundinacea Willd Vanshalochana Stimulant, astringent, antiulcer, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac
5.       Boerhavia diffusa Linn. Punarnawa, Gadahapuran, Gadahbindo Antiaging, antioxidant, antipyretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, hematinic
6.       Cinnamomum tamala Nees and Ebrrn. Tejpat, Tejpatra Stimulant, antiulcer, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anticancer, digestive, hepatoprotective
7.       Cinnamomum zeylanicum Breyn Dalchini Hematinic, gastroprotective, antinociceptive, digestive, appetizer, hepatoprotective
8.       Curcuma zedoaria Rose. Kachur, Ban haldi, narkachur Antidiarrheal, tonic, stimulant, useful in flatulence and dyspepsia
9.       Cyperus rotundus Linn. Nagarmotha, Mustak, Musta Stimulant, hepatoprotective, stomachic, diuretic, antispasmodic, carminative, emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic
10.   Desmodium gangetium DC Pennel Shalparni, Sarivan General debility, fatigue, neuroprotective, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders
11.   Elettaria cardamomum Maton Elaichi, Cardamom Stimulant, stomachic, tonic, appetizer, useful in nausea, heartburn and intestinal spasms
12.   Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Amalaki, Amla, Indian Gooseberry Immunomodulatory, rejuvenative, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, cardiotonic, enhance general vitality, cognition and promotes longevity
13.   Gmelina arborea Roxb. Gambhari, Gamhar, Kashmarya Promotes virility, strength and lactation
14.   Inula racemose Hook. Pushkarmul Antihistaminic, bronchodilator, cures cough, cold, asthma and flank pain.
15.   Leptadenia reticulata Wight and Am. Jivanti Stimulant, restorative, nutrient, anticancer, aphrodisiac, improves vision, immunity and life expectancy
16.   Martynia diandra Glox. Ulatkanta Hepatotonic, cholagogue, laxative, anorexia, indigestion, constipation
17.   Mesua ferrea Linn. Nagakesar Antitoxic, cardiotonic, carminative, digestive, relieves urinary tract disorders, gout and swelling
18.   Nelumbium speciosum Willd. Sahasrapatra, Neelkamal Nourishing, cardiotonic, calming, promotes strength and relieves bleeding disorders viz. epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, and menorrhagia
19.   Oroxylum indicum Vent. Aralu, bhut-vriksha, Shyonak General weakness, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, nephroprotective, cardiotonic
20.   Phaseolus trilobus Mudagparni Tonic, aphrodisiac, mild sedative, antioxidant, promote strength, improves semen and sperm quantity
21.   Phyllanthus niruri Linn. Bhumyamalaki, Bhumi-awala Antioxidant, cholagogue, laxative, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antiviral
22.   Piper longum Linn. PippaIi Antitussive, stimulant, bronchodilator, tonic, bioavailability enhancer, carminative, relieves respiratory infections and hepatitis
23.   Pistacia integerrima Stewart-ex Brandis Kakdasingi Bronchodilator, expectorant, carminative, antitussive, digestive, cholagogue
24.   Premna illtegrifolia Linn. Arni, Agnimanth Laxative, antitussive, digestive
25.   Pterocarpus santalinus Raktachandan Tonic, aphrodisiac, antipyretic, anti-hyperglycemic, diaphoretic anticancer, protective and antimicrobial effect on genitourinary and bronchial tract mucosa
26.   Sesamum indicum Linn. Tiltaila, Sesame oil Nutritive, demulcent, aphrodisiac, antioxidant, wound healing, radioprotective, anti-inflammatory
27.   Sida cordifolia Linn. Bala, Bariyara Cardiotonic, aphrodisiac, strength/vitality promoter
28.   Solanum indicum Linn. Brihati, Barikateri, Vanbhanta Cardiotonic, astringent, carminative and digestive
29.   Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. and Wendi. Kantakaari, Chotikateri Mucolytic, expectorant, anti-allergic, bronchodilator and relieves flu
30.   Stereospermum suaveolens Prodr. Paatla Tonic, digestive, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, blood purifier, antianemic
31.   Teramnus labialis Spreng. Mashaparni Improves vigor and virility, aphrodisiac, relieves debility and fatigue
32.   Terminalia chebula Retz. Harad, Haritaki Neurotrophic, rejuvenative, carminative anthelmintic, nervine tonic, appetite stimulant
33.   Tinospora cordifolia Guduchi, Chinnodbhava General tonic, immunomodulator, cytoprotective, genoprotective, adaptogenic
34.   Tribulus terrestris Linn. Gokhru, Gokshur Aphrodisiac, mood elevator, diuretic and cardiotonic
35.   Uraria picta Desv. Prishnaparni, Pithawan General weakness, nervine tonic, cardiovascular disorders
36.   Vitis vinifera Linn. Draaksha, Munnakka Nutritive, aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, diuretic, demulcent, laxative, hepatoprotective, cures thirst and asthma
37.   Indian Cow Ghee Go-ghrita Nutritive, antioxidant, strengthens the immunity, anticancer, improves overall physical and mental strength
38.   Natural honey (derived from honey bees) Madhu Anti-infective, immunomodulator, wound healing, antioxidant, antiaging, relieves cough and cold, antiseptic, sore throat, antiulcer
39.   Sugar candy Sharkara Sweetener, provides calories/energy
40.   Asparagus racemosus Willd Shatavari, Shatavar Aphrodisiac, nutritive, galactogogue, tonic, antiulcer, antioxidant, good for eyes
41.   Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. Varahikand, Varahi Aphrodisiac, antiulcer, tonic, promotes vigor and strength
42.   Ipomoea digitata Linn. Vidaarikand Aphrodisiac, antioxidant, galactogogue, nervine tonic, relieves debility and spermatorrhea
43.   Withania somnifera Dunal Ashwagandha, Asgandh Aphrodisiac, adaptogenic, antioxidant, cytoprotective, neuroprotective, nootropic, antistress, promotes strength
44.   Abhraka Bhasma Abhraka Bhasma General debility, aphrodisiac. cardiotonic, cellular regenerator, useful in digestive impairment, malabsorption syndrome, asthma and cough
45.   Shukti Bhasma Shukti Bhasma Antacid, antiarrhythmic, antihistaminic calcium supplement, neurotrophic, cardiotonic and promotes bone strength
46.   Shringa Bhasma Shringa Bhasma Expectorant, effective in pleurisy, pneumonia, tuberculosis, productive cough
47.   Siddha Makardhawaja Makardhawaja Antiaging, aphrodisiac, cardiovascular tonic, help to cure male impotency, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation
48.   Eugenia caryophyllus Linn. Loung, Clove Antiseptic, antimicrobial, aromatic, stimulant and anti-inflammatory

 

ENERGETICS

Rasa (taste): Sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, astringent
Virya (energy): Heating
Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Sweet
Guna (quality): Heavy, unctuous
Dosa effect: Balance Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Dhatu (tissue): All
Srotas (channel): Digestive, excretory, urinary,respiratory, reproductive, blood

AYURVEDIC ACTION

Rasayana: Rejuvenative to all the tissues
Vajıkarana: Reproductive tonic
Balya: Increases strength
Kasasvasahara: Alleviates coughs and asthma
Hridaya: Heart tonic
Vataraktahara: Alleviates gout
Mutrarogahara: Alleviates urinary disorders

Nutritional value.

According to reports, Chyawanprash contains high levels of vitamins, protein, dietary fiber, energy, carbohydrate, and low levels of fat (no trans fat and zero percent cholesterol), as well as significant levels of major and minor trace elements (mg/100g), including tannic acid (20.2), Fe (21.1), Zn (3.1), Co (3.7), Cu (0.667), Ni (1.4), Pb (2.4), Mn (8.3), vitamin C. Additionally, it offers several important phytoconstituents, including antioxidants, piperine, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds.

Boosts metabolism and digestion.

By promoting better digestion and excretion, chyawanprash aids in the removal of accumulated excreta. It is said to relieve flatulence, hyperacidity, dyspepsia, hypernausea, and nausea. Additionally, it has been discovered that chyawanprash improves gastrointestinal functions and relieves symptoms of gastritis, peptic ulcer, and stomach cramps. It detoxifies, cleans the blood, and supports healthy liver function.

Boosts the respiratory system’s strength.

Regular consumption of Chyawanprash improves immunity and respiratory system performance by fortifying the trachea-bronchial tree. The respiratory system is strengthened as a result of its assistance in treating respiratory infections, allergic cough, asthma, bronchospasm, rhinitis, seasonal or nonseasonal respiratory disorders, the common cold, and tuberculosis. In order to increase the bioactivity of antitubercular medications and lessen their side effects, it is also used as a supplement to them.

Adaptogenic, immune-stimulating, and antioxidant.

The adaptogenic properties of CP are due to its excellent antiaging and anxiolytic supplement, which offers better antioxidant effects than single antioxidant therapy. The rejuvenating and tonic properties of CP may be related to its high antioxidant content and bioactive phytoconstituents like carotenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds, though there is a paucity of experimental and clinical evidence to support this. The presence of piperine in CP increases bioavailability [107]. Chyawanprash works well as an adaptogen.

Nootropic potential.

In addition to enhancing learning ability, storage, recall, and intellect, CP nourishes brain cells, balances neuronal activity, and improves memory. It reduces insomnia by calming down the central nervous system (CNS), which also has calming and mood-lifting effects. It may also have procholenergic and antiamnesic properties, according to research.

Cardiotonic.

Effective cardiotonic, chyawanprash. By restoring blood flow to the heart’s musculature, it strengthens the structure and functions of the heart and corrects the heart’s pumping rhythm. Additionally, chyawanprash is said to improve the structure and operations of the vascular system as well as treat blood disorders. In addition to alleviating metabolic impairments, chyawanprash has antihyperlipidemic activity.
Potent Aphrodisiac and Balances the Endocrine System.
Regular consumption of CP enhances sexual function, increases virility, and increases fertility in both sexes. It improves the functioning of gonads, strengthens the endocrine system, and balances the hormonal flow. It improves semen quality in males and the menstrual cycle in females .

Favorable Effects on Lipid Profile and Glycaemic Levels.

Contrary to popular belief, CP is reported to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia in the oral glucose tolerance test and substantially reduce blood cholesterol levels compared to vitamin C . Chyawanprash is also an effective hypolipidemic. CP is generally considered to be contraindicated in diabetics due to its rich sugar and honey contents. A study on CP to assess health promotion in elderly people found a reduction in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and an increase in HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels, which supports the formulation’s Phalashruti (beneficial effects) indications in geriatrics.

Other Preventive, Promotive and Curative Health Benefits.

Chyawanprash helps in better absorption of calcium and protein synthesis, thereby strengthening bones and teeth, and improving muscle tone. It aids in weight gain and encourages the growth of young people. Its profound Rasayana effect due to potent herbs like Amla, Guduchi, and Ashwagandha helps to balance the body’s natural processes and modulate the neuroendocrine-immune activities. It detoxifies naturally while also removing blood impurities. It promotes hair growth, skin complexion, cures dermal infections, and improvises personality characteristics by imparting splendor, exquisiteness, youthfulness, wisdom, vitality, and glow.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Avoid in hot weather for pitta types or with indigestion.

DOSAGE

1–3tsp (5–20g) morning and evening

NOTES

The herbs are a mixture of phlegm-clearing, ama-reducing, digestive-fire-increasing and reproductive tonics.
It is taken with milk as a vehicle to help carry it deep into the tissues. Try with almond milk if dairy is unsuitable.
Often used in winter as a tonic.
There are numerous formulas for cyavanaprasa. Caraka Samhita is the first source of this legendary formula, and it is also mentioned in Astangahrdaya Samhita, Bhaisajya Ratnavali and Sarngadhara Samhita with some minor changes. It is not mentioned in Susruta Samhita.
Certain plants mentioned in Caraka have a doubtful identity, such as jeevanti. Other herbs including agaru (Aquilaria agallocha), gambhari (Gmelina arborea), kakanasa (Martynia diandra), karkatashringi (Pistacia interrima), kushta (Saussurea lappa), kaghu kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), mashaparni (Teramnus labialis), mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), naga keshara (Mesua ferrea), nilotpala (Nymphoea stellata), patala (Stereospermum suaveolens), prishniparni (Uraria picta), shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum), shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), varahikand (Dioscorea bulbifera) and yashthimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and are also mentioned in Caraka Samhita but for reasons of sustainability, availability and manufacturer choice, are not always included. There is a solid history of variation within the cyavanaprasa formula and so appropriate amendments appear acceptable.

 

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6571565/

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